Congress demands resignation of Karnataka CM

Chikballapura (Karna): Congress leaders on January 5 demanded the resignation of BJP government in Natala, saying it has "lost the moral right to continue in office." Addressing a rally here, the leaders hit out at the Jagadish Shettar-led government and alleged that due to internal bickerings in BJP, development works have come to a grinding halt.

"If Shettar has an iota of morality, he should quit forthwith," KPCC President G Parameshwara said. The BJP has split into three groups, with former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa enjoying the support of some BJP legislators and some moving into BSR Congress headed by B Sreeramulu, he said. In several parts of the state people were struggling even for drinking water, Parameshwara added.

Union Minister for Petroleum M Veerappa Moily said, Congress would return to power in the state.

Union Minister for Petroleum M Veerappa Moily, who also called for immediate resignation of the BJP government, said Congress would return to power in the state. Congress will fight the coming elections on 'collective leadership.'

Union Labour Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge outlined various development programmes initiated by the Centre in the state and accused the BJP government of claiming credit for it. He said the people of Karnataka are waiting for the elections, due in May, to "teach a lesson" to the BJP which, he alleged, has cheated the voters. Congress General Secretary, BK Hariprasad, MPs - Jaya Prakash Hegde, Druvanarayana, MP, former ministers Mottamma, Rani Satish and others also addressed the rally.